Safety upgrades quietly confirmed for affordable Chinese SUV

Just a few months after it launched in New Zealand, the distributor of Chinese carmaker BAIC has quietly rolled out a series of safety and tech updates for its most affordable model, the X55.

Launched in late February, the X55 arrived in a single spec called the ‘Premium’. Whilst the model was loaded with standard equipment — ranging from heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic sunroof to dual screens — its list of safety equipment had some interesting omissions.

The model launched without any form of lane keep assist system, and with an autonomous emergency braking system that only recognised other cars. Now both of these features, and a host of other changes, have been introduced via a new X55 trim level.

The X55 Premium is set to be replaced by the X55 Premium Plus. Both models currently benefit from introductory prices of $34,990 (Premium) and $35,990 (Premium Plus) plus on-road costs for the rest of June. 

Following June, the two models will assume the same regular price of $37,990, with the Premium Plus set to eventually replace the Premium once stock levels dry up. 

On the safety front, the Premium Plus adds lane departure assist, lane keep assist, AEB with pedestrian detection, traffic jam assist, integrated cruise assist that can stop and start in traffic, height adjustable front seatbelts, and an underbody view camera. 

The Premium Plus also comes with larger screens up front; a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster. Lastly, it also adds rear privacy glass. 

BAIC has yet to have the X55 or its other nameplate, the B30, crash tested by ANCAP. But, local distributor Auto Distributors New Zealand confirmed at the brand’s March launch that it is interested in getting the two models tested. 

Whilst Chinese cars were once known for having a scratchy record on safety, that’s far from the case today. The likes of GWM, Chery, BYD, and Zeekr have a 100% strike rate of 5-star ratings from ANCAP out of the models that have been tested.